Background: Digital transformation in the sports industry has become increasingly crucial for sustainable development, yet comprehensive empirical evidence on policy effectiveness and risk management remains limited. Purpose: This study investigates the impact of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation in sports companies, examining heterogeneous effects across different firm characteristics and regional contexts. Methods: Using panel data from 168 sports companies listed on China’s A-shares markets and the New Third Board from 2019 to 2023, this study employs multiple regression analyses, including baseline models, instrumental variables estimation, and robustness tests. The digital transformation level is measured through a composite index incorporating digital infrastructure, capability, and innovation dimensions. Results: The findings reveal that policy support significantly enhances digital transformation levels (coefficient = 0.238, p < 0.01), while financial risks demonstrate the strongest negative impact (−0.162, p < 0.01). Large firms and state-owned enterprises show stronger responses to policy support (0.312 and 0.278, respectively, p < 0.01). Regional development levels significantly moderate the effectiveness of policy implementation. Conclusions: The study provides empirical evidence for the differential effects of policy support and risk factors on digital transformation across various firm characteristics. The findings suggest the need for differentiated policy approaches considering firm size, ownership structure, and regional development levels. Implications: Policy makers should develop targeted support mechanisms addressing specific challenges faced by different types of firms, while considering regional disparities in digital transformation capabilities.

Background: India’s rich educational heritage dates to ancient times, with popular institutions like Nalanda, Takshashila, and Banarasi-Kasi flourishing as early as the 6th century BC, which offered diverse courses spanning medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and more. Invasions by the Mughals and British during the 12th to 18th centuries disrupted India’s traditional education systems. Post-independence, India faced the challenge of transitioning from ancient to modern education. Remarkably, the country managed to preserve its popular traditional education through a strategic change management approach by the educational institutions. The Government of India has introduced in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) in July 2020, to bring transformational reforms in school and higher education systems. In this manuscript, we have summarized the salient features of the NEP 2020 and the preparedness steps to its effective implementation in Indian educational institutions. Method: We have utilised standard databases like PubMed, Science Direct, or Google Scholar, and/or public domains and the NEP 2020 document for this literature survey. Value addition: NEP 2020 aims to ensure access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability with more flexible curricular structure, and holistic approaches. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, dynamic planning, and collaboration among public and private institutions, and industries supported the effective implementation of NEP 2020. Notably, the change management approach, which has been a constant throughout India’s educational journey, played a pivotal role in keeping pace with technological advancements and fostering growth in the higher education system in India.

Focusing on Shanghai Port, this in-depth study explores how government support can make port organizations more competitive. This study shall implement qualitative analysis based on in-depth interviews with key industry and government leaders to break down the complicated actions taken by the government and how they have changed the operational and strategic skills of the port industry. Seven factors were found in our study to be the most crucial support factors: Financial, regulatory, infrastructure growth, talent, market, policy, and organizational support. In their ways, each of these groups undermines the ability of port businesses to compete. For instance, finance can make ports more competitive in aspects such as tax cuts, lower interest rates, innovation and R&D funds, financing programs, venture capital funds, and putting up R&D sites. Supporting regulations makes sure that there is fair competition and smooth operations. This is done by protecting intellectual property, keeping the market going smoothly, improving the business environment, and monitoring market regulations. Building new infrastructure, such as innovation and updated buildings, enables the smooth running of the port businesses and minimizes wastage of time; thus, more time is spent on production. Supporting talent, the market, and policy all work together to make the human capital, international cooperation, and strategic regulatory framework that a company needs to stay ahead in the long run. It is clear from organizational support how important collaborative networks are for making ports more competitive. These networks, for instance, can be of assistance in helping schools and businesses work together, create new technologies, and find ways for companies and colleges to study together. This study examines these support systems to determine where the government should step in and how the systems can be made better to make ports more competitive. In terms of practical contribution, this in-depth study helps policymakers and port workers plan for the future. This study shows a fair way for the government to support the port business, which changes with its needs and stays competitive in the world of trade.

Poverty, as a phenomenon, remains an obstacle to global sustainable development. Although a universal malaise, it is more prevalent in underdeveloped countries, including Nigeria. However, because of its devastating impacts on the Nigerian economy, such as increasing death rates, high crime rates, insecurity difficulties, threats to national cohesion, and so on, successive administrations have implemented poverty alleviation programs to mitigate the consequences of this disease. Worryingly, despite a multiplicity of projects and massive human and natural resources invested to match global standards, Nigeria remains impoverished. The curiosity at how these programs fail, either because of implementation hiccups or because elites’ wealth and power influence these programs spurred the paper to assess poverty alleviation policies and elitist approaches in Nigeria. The study employed the desk study approach, as it examined secondary sources such as books, journals, articles, and magazines. Its theoretical underpinning was the elite theory. The paper discovered that several factors such as corruption, the elitist nature of the policies which in disguise reflect public interests, lack of continuity, lack of coordination and monitoring system, misappropriation of public resources, and others, led to the poor performances of government in alleviating poverty in Nigeria. The paper concludes that, while the rate of poverty index in Nigeria rises year after year, poverty alleviation efforts in Nigeria have had little or no influence on the Nigerian economy, since most of these projects are purely reflective of the elites’ interests rather than the masses. Therefore, the paper recommends that for there to be a reduction in poverty incidence in Nigeria, a holistic developmental approach should be adopted, the policies formulated and implemented should sync with the needs of the citizens, and quality and viable programs should be sustained and financed irrespective of change in government; public accountability should be instilled; proper coordination and monitoring system should be domesticated, etc.

This study examined the labor regulations regarding the hours of work and rest for representative fishing countries (Norway) by the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention C188—Work in Fishing, 2007. A dual comparative analysis with Norway is used to explore policy implications for the representation and protection of fishers’ labor standards in Korea. This study examined the possibility of synchronisation between national and international legislation on the hours of work and rest for fishers, with a particular focus on the Norwegian case. The objective is to identify policy enhancements related to the Korean Seafarers Act. This study looked in depth at the fatigue and well-being problems faced by Korean fishers working long times on various vessels. It is based on the results of a qualitative comparative study. To achieve the objectives, We proposed to ‘the name of the fishing vessel’, which are excluded from the protections afforded by the Seafarers Act and to clarify the regulations regarding the labor standards for them. This proposal will provide compensation and protection for Korean fishers’ labor rights. It aims to enhance labor conditions in line with ILO standards, harmonize national and international agreements to protect small-scale fisheries and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly propulsion technologies, such as hydrogen-fueled electric hybrids and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas).

This study investigates the dynamic landscape of agritourism in Thailand, emphasizing innovations, challenges, and policy implications in the post-COVID-19 era. Employing a qualitative approach, including a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, the research identifies key agritourism models, such as immersive learning experiences, technology-driven agritourism, and unconventional practices like salt and coconut plantations. Findings reveal that agritourism has adapted to shifting market demands through diversification, technological integration, and a heightened focus on sustainability. Notably, technology adoption in precision farming and hydroponics enhances resource efficiency and visitor engagement, while initiatives like rice paddy field tourism and highland agritourism showcase the cultural and ecological richness of rural landscapes. The study underscores the critical role of policy frameworks, infrastructure development, and community empowerment in fostering sustainable agritourism practices. Key policy recommendations include targeted subsidies, capacity-building programs, and harmonized regulatory frameworks to address challenges such as financial constraints, regulatory ambiguities, and inadequate infrastructure. This research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable tourism and rural development, aligning agritourism with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By synthesizing insights on innovation, resilience, and sustainability, this study offers a comprehensive roadmap for policymakers, practitioners, and academics to leverage agritourism as a vehicle for rural revitalization and global sustainability. Future research directions are proposed to explore the long-term impacts of technological integration, community empowerment, and resilience strategies in agritourism.